We all want the best for our furry friends, but we don’t always know what ailments they might have hiding just below the surface. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular pet wellness checks for your dogs and cats. Routine wellness checkups are the best way to detect preventable diseases and implement a wellness plan to help ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life. Serving Desert Mountain, Carefree, New River, North Scottsdale, and Cave Creek AZ, the veterinarians at Desert Forest Animal Hospital will treat your animals like their own by offering the best pet wellness services in the area.
What’s Included in a Pet Wellness Checkup?
A comprehensive pet wellness exam looks at your pet’s overall health. The checkup includes:
A Physical Exam
A veterinarian will inspect your pet from nose to tail to determine its overall health and look for any underlying medical issues. We’ll listen to your pet’s heart and lungs; inspect its mouth, ears, eyes, and nose for abnormalities; and check its vital signs. We’ll also inspect for skin infections, and look for signs of arthritis in the joints and muscles.
Parasite Control
Fleas, ticks, and parasites can cause several concerns for pets. We’ll check your dog or cat’s fur and skin for any signs of fleas and ticks. We’ll also ask you to bring in a stool sample from your pet so we can test for any signs of intestinal parasites that can cause weight loss, malnutrition, and anemia.
Vaccinations
We’ll update your pet’s vaccines, if necessary, and recommend any non-core vaccines due to the age and lifestyle of the pet.
Make Suggestions
At the end of the exam, our veterinarians will make any recommendations that could include scheduling a dental exam or improving your pet’s health or weight.
How Often Should Pet Wellness Checkups Be Performed?
Dogs
Typically, dogs ages 1 to 7 need annual wellness checks, while senior dogs ages 8 and older should be seen about every six months to catch health issues earlier.
Cats
Our feline friends need regular care, too. Although the frequency depends on the cat’s age and health status, the average adult cat should be examined once per year, while examinations for middle-aged, senior, and geriatric cats should be performed semi-annually.
Contact Desert Forest Animal Hospital for Pet Checkups in the Cave Creek, AZ, Area
Regular pet wellness checkups are essential for your pets to ensure there are no underlying issues that can cause serious health problems down the road. Contact the caring veterinarians at Desert Forest Animal Hospital today if you live in North Scottsdale, New River, Carefree, Desert Mountain, or Cave Creek AZ.